News

Category

Shatner To Serve As Grand Marshal

William Shatner will serve as grand marshal of the Calgary Stampede Parade, kicking off the Calgary Stampede, which will run from July 4 to 13. Shatner, Star Trek legend, proud Canadian and an avid horseman, will be joined by Calgary-based speed skaters Gilmore Junio and Denny Morrison as honorary marshals.

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that, according to its mission statement, preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life by promoting volunteerism, presenting a year-round slate of events, investing in youth and agricultural programs, and developing a unique western experience for the world to enjoy.

"Shatner’s Hollywood credentials are just part of the reason we thought he would be a great choice as our 2014 Parade Marshal,” Bob Thompson, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede, said in a statement. “He has an unparalleled passion for horses, which we thought would be a great fit for us. I can’t wait to kick off the Calgary Stampede with him in the year of the horse.”

“I am looking forward to leading the Calgary Stampede Parade,” Shatner said in a separate statement. “I’ve been to Calgary before, but I have never been to the Calgary Stampede – leading the Parade will be quite a way to experience my first time.”